Amazing Grace for an Elk

If anyone were to ask me, I would say that I love animals.  I love dogs, and most cats.  I love dolphins, bears, deer, moose, giraffes, horses, hamsters, and even a few reptiles.  I believe they all serve a purpose on this great earth, and I have experienced great joy over the years from owning domesticated animals.  But I put human beings first.  If you’ve ticked me off, I may prefer my dog over you at that particular moment, but for the most part, it’s my human relationships that I hold closest.

If you don’t live in Colorado, you might not have heard the story I’m going to share with you–a very embarrassing story that happened recently in a city in this state.  I use the term “embarrassing” loosely, though, because when you’re done reading, you might just be appalled.

Last week there was an elk sighting in a subdivision of Boulder (a city just outside of Denver).  The elk was seen walking through the neighborhood by a police officer.  I’m not quite clear on all the details, but the officer felt the elk was possibly a danger to the community, and shot and killed it.

I heard the story, and for a brief moment, I wondered if the police officer might face some scrutiny for his actions.  It wasn’t so much about shooting the elk, as it was the place in which it was shot.  Boulder.  It’s a unique community with varying social, political, and spiritual views.  I’m convinced every state has a Boulder.

Are you with me so far?

As the week went on this story hit every local media outlet.  News reports. Public outrage.  Police department statements.  Officer suspensions.  And, over the weekend, a candlelight vigil for the dead elk.

Woe.  Back up the bus. Yep, that’s right.  A candlelight vigil for the elk.

Approximately one hundred people turned out to pay their respects.  A few of the vigil-goers were interviewed on local television.  They were crying, and couldn’t find the words to convey their sadness. And to top it off, a few verses of Amazing Grace were sung.

I’m not joking.

Frankly, I’m mortified about the whole thing.

I wonder how someone in Newtown, Connecticut, might feel hearing such a story?  For their sake, I hope they never do.  And closer to home, I wonder how those directly affected by the horrific Aurora theatre shooting might feel?  Or the victims of the wildfires that ripped through parts of Colorado Springs a few months ago?

This nation has faced tragedy.  Colorado has faced its share this past year too.  This.  This is not a tragedy. This is not worth a candlelight vigil, nor the profound words of Amazing Grace.

In my opinion.